Groveland Twp.- Area officials are ready to proceed on to Phase II following a months-long study of waste hauling services.
The township board of trustees voted to move forward a plan that would create a solid waste authority, which would be able to seek services on behalf of the communities and allow them to request and receive legitimate pricing in any procurement process.
Brandon and Groveland, as well as Springfield Township, Independence Township, Waterford, White Lake and West Bloomfield participated in the study funded by Capital and Cooperative Initiative Revolving Fund Grant (CCIRF). The group will report on alternatives for current residential garbage hauling and recycling practices.
‘Right now we’re ready to move on to Phase II which will mean establishing an authority with those other communities wishing to participate. When that happens then we’ll know more about what benefits may be coming down the line.?
DePalma said Phase II will cost the township anywhere from about $900 to $1,500 to complete, with the county helping fund the other half of the money needed.
‘The township is not looking to get anything out of this financially,? said Bob DePalma, township supervisor.
‘If there are dollars from recyclable or other forms then we could lower waste pickup rates within the area or apply the money back to public education; either way it’s rather premature to anticipate revenue streams.?
Other communities are yet to ever realize any profits from recycling or from the conversion process.
In Mundy Township, located just west of Grand Blanc Township in Genesee County, about 6,000 households utilize Republic Services of Michigan,. a single waste hauler, and fund the service through a special assessment of about $10 per month. Mundy Township receives no money from collecting recyclables.
‘We’re not getting a dime for our recyclables,? said Mundy Township Supervisor Dave Guigear.
‘Those raw materials are picked up twice per month from the residents, curbside. That’s it.?
Stephanie Glysson of Republic Waste said prices for recyclable materials varies with demand.
‘There are times when we make a little and then the market falls.?
From 6-8 p.m., Aug. 27 interested residents can attend a joint forum, with Independence and Springfield townships at Clarkston Junior High School.